33

WBC Champion Awards 2017

Sixty years ago in Eighty Four, PA, Hardy Magerko’s father Joseph A. Hardy III, in conjunction with his two brothers, Norman and Bob Hardy, and family friends Ed Ryan and Jack Kunkle, pooled together $84,000 to establish 84 Lumber.

Hardy Magerko’s business training began shortly thereafter as she regularly accompanied her father to work. It wasn’t unusual to find the seven-year-old at the lumberyard, a store grand opening or even a board meeting. She and her father had a unique bond that continues to this day. She was appointed his successor in 1992 when she took over 84 Lumber as owner and president.

Hardy Magerko’s energetic approach and aggressive business goals have been critical to 84 Lumber’s successful operation and growth. Under her leadership, 84 Lumber refocused concentration on its original niche – the professional market – topping $1B in sales in 1994, $2B in 2004 and $2.86B in 2016.

When the housing market crashed in 2009, 84 Lumber – like most organizations associated with the construction industry – suffered significant losses. However, Hardy Magerko made difficult decisions that ultimately saved the company and positioned it for success in the next chapter of its storied history.

Since then, Maggie has taken the company to the forefront of the industry - turning 84 Lumber into the nation’s leading privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings. The company also offers

Last year, 84 Lumber opened its second location on Long Island, a new 36,000 square foot location in Riverhead, NY. This store offers a variety of specialty departments including a 6,500 square foot showroom that features an 84 Lumber Kitchen & Bath Design Studio with an Andersen window display, a custom millwork shop, and a reclaimed-wood display that will act as inspiration for customers looking to bring their ideas to life.

Under Hardy Magerko’s leadership, both 84 Lumber Company and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort are nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) companies.

Aside from Hardy Magerko’s professional accomplishments, she’s also very proud of her work in the community. She established 84 Lumber’s Building Hope program to make a positive impact on the areas in which 84 Lumber stores are located. In 2016 alone, 84 Lumber donated more than $1. 3M to a variety of charitable causes. Through Building Hope, 84 Lumber has actively supported local, regional, and national charitable organizations ranging from volunteer fire departments, to chapters of the Red Cross and United Way, to the national efforts of Habitat for Humanity.

Hardy Magerko’s husband Pete, a former U.S. Marine and Pennsylvania State Trooper, is her biggest supporter and best friend. Mention her son P.J. and it’s clear how proud she is of him and his achievements. P.J. is a graduate of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.